TV Auditions

TV auditions are very similar
to Film and Theatre auditions. The main difference is time.
Television is always under a time constraint. A script is
written in a week, and that next week it must be cast, in
order to film the week after that. A large part of television
is guest cast and speaking extras, since there are a limited
amount of recurring roles on television shows, episodic
character casting is what most TV auditions are for.

Casting directors understand
that sometimes when auditioning a TV role, the actors may
have had only a couple of days to review the lines. Some
don't. This is why, no matter how much time you have to
rehearse before an audition, KNOW YOUR CONTENT.

It is alright to read straight
from the pages during your audition, but if you have memorized
your lines, try to look up and show your face to the casting
director. Sometimes you will be reading a scene with a casting
assistant. Most of the time, these assistants are not actors
and may have no energy. Just do your best and worry about
your delivery, not theirs.

When entering the room, slate
(introduce) yourself and the part you will be auditioning
for. If the casting assistant did not take your head shot
in the hall, someone will take it in the audition room.
Be brief in your introduction and wait for the casting director
to be ready. In most TV auditions, the people you will be
auditioning for will be the casting director, an assistant,
usually the executive producer of the show, or the writer
of that specific episode, and maybe a camera person if they
are rolling tape. TV auditions always run tape so casting
directors can review auditions afterwards or show an actor
to the EP if he/she was not in the room. An EP puts a lot
of trust in the casting director because the EP will not
always be able to attend every audition due to their other
writing and producing responsibilities.

After your performance, thank
everyone in the room and exit quickly. Wait outside for
a couple of minutes incase the casting director wants to
see you again. Then sign out and leave quietly and professionally.
If you had a bad audition, do not let it show to the other
candidates. Always look confident entering, leaving and
during an audition.

The big difference with TV
auditions is not only the time to cast, but also the time
for an actor to prepare for a role. A casting director may
see your headshot and ask you to come in the day of the
audition. If this happens, stay calm and know that the casting
director is aware that you have just received the content
that day. Just read the lines and do your best. You've obviously
been called in because they like you so prove that you can
adapt to any situation and blow them away in the audition.